WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee nominations hearing, Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) discussed the significant undertaking that President Trump and Secretary Duffy have begun to modernize regulations and safety standards to reflect exciting, new transportation technologies. Sen. Cruz reiterated the need for advisors at the Department of Transportation (DOT) who understand the complexities and promise of autonomous vehicles, smart infrastructure, and AI-driven logistics. Sen. Cruz highlighted the nominees’ qualifications, which make them well suited to serve in key positions within DOT.

Ms. Seval Oz’s experience developing and deploying autonomous vehicles makes her qualified to serve as Assistant Secretary of Transportation for Research and Technology, where she will align DOT’s research efforts for the next generation of transportation. Mr. Michael Rutherford has familiarity with nearly every freight mode and has leadership experience at a major freight railroad, solidifying him as the ideal candidate to serve as Assistant Secretary of Transportation for the Office of Multimodal Freight Infrastructure and Policy. Mr. Gregory Zerzan brings valuable managerial experience from his service in both the legislative and executive branches, which will help him serve as General Counsel at DOT.

Here are Sen. Cruz’s remarks as prepared for delivery:

“Today, we’ll consider three of President Trump’s nominees for key roles at the Department of Transportation: Seval Oz, nominee for Assistant Secretary of Transportation for Research and Technology; Michael Rutherford, nominee for Assistant Secretary of Transportation for the Office of Multimodal Freight Infrastructure and Policy; and Gregory Zerzan, nominee for General Counsel of DOT.

“Transportation is—and will remain—the backbone of global economies.  We’re entering a new era defined by autonomous vehicles, smart infrastructure, and AI-driven logistics.  These advancements are happening around the world, and in some cases, elsewhere because the federal government has been so hostile to innovation.

“President Trump and Secretary Duffy are faced with a huge undertaking, having to fix the mistakes of the last four years by modernizing regulations and enhancing safety standards.  To succeed, they need advisors who understand the promise and complexity of what lies ahead.  Today’s nominees fit the bill.

“Ms. Oz is a pioneer in transportation technology.  At Google, she helped develop autonomous vehicles.  In Nevada, she brought the private sector and government together to license the state’s first self-driving car.  And as Assistant Secretary of Transportation for Research and Technology, a newly created role, she will help align DOT’s research efforts for the next generation of transportation.

“Mr. Rutherford’s experience with nearly every freight mode will serve him well as Assistant Secretary of Transportation for the Office of Multimodal Freight Infrastructure and Policy.  At CSX, a major freight railroad, Mr. Rutherford led a 140-person team.  He recognizes that optimized supply chains keep costs down for consumers.  If confirmed, he will work alongside Secretary Duffy, state and local governments, and the private sector to eliminate bottlenecks and secure freight networks.

“Finally, Mr. Zerzan brings valuable managerial experience from his time in both the legislative and executive branches.  As the current acting solicitor for the Department of the Interior, he oversees a large team of political appointees and career civil servants.  He’ll do the same at DOT, providing impartial, strategic counsel to improve our skies, roadways, and waterways.

“These nominees are ready to transform the American transportation system through responsible innovation, lean regulation, and with a renewed focus on safety.  I look forward to hearing from them today.”

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